IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND GENETIC RESEARCH (JBGR )

E-ISSN 2545-5710
P-ISSN 2695-222X
VOL. 11 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/jbgr.vol.11.no2.2025.pg30.39

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Effect of Ginger and Moringa Extract on Growth Parameters and Reproductive Hormones in Rabbit Bucks

Ekine, OA, EreRichard, AA, Okwulogwo, RC and Ere, R E

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Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) extracts on growth parameters and reproductive hormones in rabbit bucks. Twenty-four rabbits of mixed breeds (New Zealand x Dutch) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a Completely Randomized Design, for a period of 8 weeks. The treatments consisted of: T1 (Control, no extracts), T2 (5ml of ginger extract/L of water), T3 (5ml of moringa extract/L of water) and T4 (5ml of ginger extract + 5ml of moringa extract/L of water). Growth parameters measured included feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio, while reproductive hormones evaluated were Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Testosterone, and Estrogen. Results showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in growth parameters across all treatment groups. However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in reproductive hormones. FSH levels were similar and superior in T1, T2, and T4 compared to T3. LH levels increased with the test diets, with T4 recording the highest values. Testosterone was significantly lowest in T4, while estrogen was highest in the control group (T1) and lowest in T3. The study concludes that while moringa and ginger extracts did not adversely affect growth performance, they significantly influenced reproductive hormone levels in rabbits, suggesting potential applications in reproductive management of rabbit production. The combination of both extracts (T4) showed the most pronounced effects on reproductive hormones, particularly LH levels.

keywords:

Zingiber officinale, Moringa oleifera, Rabbit reproduction, Growth performance

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